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S. ABINGTON TWP. - A field of 59 top amateurs and professionals will try to take the first step toward a berth in the U.S. Open today when they challenge the 7,000-yard layout at the Country Club of Scranton.

It will be the first major test for the course since a massive redesign of the bunkers and green complexes, and club president and 10-time men's club champion Mike Vassil thinks the par-72 course will be up to the test.

"If anyone can get it around under par, I like their chances," Vassil said. "Personally, I'd be surprised if anyone shoots lower than 69. I think 71 will be a score to finish in the top three.

"That's my prediction."

Three players will advance to the second stage of competition, a one-day, 36-hole test that could result in a berth at the U.S. Open, slated June 13-16 at historic Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, outside of Philadelphia.

"It's the first time we will have a really strong field and all changes in place," Vassil said. "I'm anxious to see what the top college and amateur players and local pros can put out there."

Superintendent Greg Boring, who did all his college internships at prestigious Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh, understands what kind of setup the United States Golf Association is looking for.

Late last week, he said he hoped to have the greens firm and fast, but a reasonable yardstick of a player's ability.

"I would like to see this golf course be a fair, challenging test," Boring said. "If we have it set up where we have it as fair and challenging and someone comes out and shoots 65, we'll have to deal with it.

"I think a low score of 70, I would be thrilled. But I think someone will go lower because of the quality of the players."

While the undulating greens are the first line of defense at Scranton, there are other factors that will challenge the field.

The redesign will bring the bunkers into play off the tee for longer hitters.

"There is great risk-reward," Vassil said. "The farther you hit it, the more accurate you have to be.

"And with the rough, everyone is going to be challenged. The rough is probably going to be four inches, thick and moist, so there will be a real premium on accuracy off the tee."

How firm the severely undulating greens will be also will determine how low the best in the competition can go.

"It will be a blend of accuracy off the tee and the ability to hit a shot to put yourself in a spot where you have a makeable putt or a manageable two-putt," Vassil said.

Play begins at 8:30 a.m., and spectators are welcome.

Contact the writer: mmyers@timesshamrock.com @mmyersTT on Twitter

Tee times and pairings for today's U.S. Open local qualifier at the Country Club of Scranton.

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